Sole Hope
I don’t even know how to begin this post,
other than to say that I stumbled upon the Sole Hope organization via
Instagram. I stumble upon a lot of stuff via Instagram, and while I cannot
remember how I found this organization, I’m sure the path was convoluted.
Ultimately I’m thrilled that I came upon this group, doing such amazing work in
such a beautiful and far off (for me at least!) land.
While poking around the Sole Hope website
(click here) I was immediately drawn to the simplicity of
their Core Purpose: "To effectively
put in place preventive methods to combat diseases that enter through the feet
and to create a positive physical and spiritual difference in the lives of
individuals in impoverished communities". Yet I had
no idea what “diseases entering through the feet” implied, what it might look
like, or how such diseases could impart such horrifying physical and emotional
conditions upon a person, but I had a term…Jiggers.
So in doing a little research on Jiggers
(most definitely NOT the same as Chiggers, found here in the US), I leaned on Google
(a gamble for sure). And I saw some pretty horrifying and sad and heartbreaking
images. I have a pretty strong stomach, and can handle my share of blood, gaping
wounds and broken bones (please, just don’t vomit on me or show me your abscessed
tooth), but these pictures of children, adults, the elderly infested with
Jiggers were more than upsetting.
If you are curious and
interested, by all means look. You can either Google “jiggers” or you can visit
the Sole Hope website (click here) and follow the “What are Jiggers” link. But you can also take my word for it because
Jiggers are no joke. And what they do to a person’s feet (and body) is serious.
The images are difficult to look at.
A Jigger (chigoe flea) is a
parasitic arthropod; essentially a sand flea, that is native to Central and
South America, but has been inadvertently introduced by humans to sub-Saharan
Africa. Jiggers are most prominent in the dry season and live in the dust that
covers the dirt floors that are found in the homes and schools of families
living in places like Uganda (and those with similar climates).*
At best having Jiggers causes
severe pain and limits daily activities such as walking, playing, attending
school or work. From there, Jiggers can be debilitating, and if left untreated and not removed
can leave victims with infection, paralysis and even lead to amputation.
Secondary infections like tetanus or gangrene to name a couple can be fatal.*
While Jiggers can be
transferred into homes via livestock in rural areas, they exist primarily on
the ground, and therefore the natural and most logical way for a Jigger to
embed itself in a person is via the feet.
Sole Hope’s Core
Values are admirable and focus on: (from the Sole Hope website)
Relief:
We believe in addressing the very real and present problems associated with the
feet through medical intervention as well as taking preventative physical
measures.
Education:
We believe that education of the youth and their caretakers is essential for
long-term solutions.
Sustainability:
We believe in supporting communities and teaching the trade of shoe making. We
innovate and demonstrate solutions that combine the best of indigenous and
contemporary practice to create sustainable skills and employment.
And their solution to the problem
of Jiggers is basic and beautifully simple. And this is where each of us can help.
Of course donations are always welcome, but Sole Hope is also amazing in that
there is something for every kind of volunteer, and via their website, under
the Get Involved tab, you will find ways to truly make a difference.
Some of us may recognize the
importance of monetary donations, but Sole Hope offers everything from
interning with the organization, to volunteering in Uganda, to using the Sole
Hope Guest House for accommodations if you happen to find yourself in Uganda,
to inviting speakers to visit your group or organization, to sending them
supplies via Amazon to becoming an advocate via social media. Truly, no matter
what your preference or ability, there is something for you to do on behalf of
Sole Hope.
But one of the coolest and
most important (I feel) facets of this non-profit are cutting shoes. One of the
simplest and most effective ways to prevent Jiggers from burrowing into feet is
to simply wear close-toed shoes. Sole Hope works to provide those shoes. Quite
simply there is a Shoe Cutting Party kit for purchase ($15.00) and through the
kit there are very specific and easy steps to follow. Invite some friends, watch the DVD, and get
cutting. Materials needed are basically old denim clothing, pins, fabric
scissors and pinking shears, a black sharpie marker and some plastic milk or
soda containers. Party guests are generally asked for a $10 donation (and while
not required, the donation helps offset Sole Hope’s cost in shipping
the uppers to Uganda, helps provide a fair wage to shoe makers and helps purchase
the soles for the shoes etc.). Then there is chatting with friends, tracing, snacking,
cutting, wine-drinking, pinning, dessert and quality control, and that’s it
(once the party is over, the hostess ships the completed uppers to Sole Hope’s
office in North Carolina). Voila, a fun party for an amazing cause.
*From both Wikipedia and Sole Hope.
(These are my feet. safe from Jiggers)
